Personal Injury Law

Overturned Bus Highlights Maria's Law

By Michael Myers

As many of you saw on the news, a bus carrying the Bellevue High School Football team overturned this week. The cause of the accident was an improperly secured ladder. This incident highlights the importance of "Maria's Law".

Maria's Law (RCW 46.61.655) provides that all drivers must secure and fasten their loads. Failure to secure a load will result in a charge of criminal negligence. The Washington Patrol is serious about enforcing this law.

When unsecured loads cause injuries, the WSP will diligently investigate. If the unsecured load causes an accident resulting in injuries or death, it will sent its Major Accident Investigation Team to collect evidence and reconstruct the accident.

Even if the at-fault driver is not located, injured person can recover under their Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage.

Full post as published by Seattle Personal Injury Lawyer on November 30, 2008 (boomark / email).